Adjuvant therapy with nivolumab (NIVO) versus ipilimumab (IPI) after complete resection of stage III/IV melanoma: A randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial (CheckMate 238)

Abstract

Background: NIVO and IPI are immune checkpoint inhibitors approved for advanced melanoma. IPI is also approved in the US for resected stage III melanoma, based on a phase 3 trial demonstrating an improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS). We report the first results of a phase 3 trial designed to evaluate NIVO vs IPI for resected stage III/IV melanoma at high risk of recurrence. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind trial, eligible patients (pts) included those ≥15 yrs of age who underwent complete resection of stage IIIb/c or IV melanoma. 906 pts were randomized (stratified by stage and PD-L1 status) 1:1 to receive NIVO 3 mg/ kg (n=453) every 2 wks or IPI 10 mg/kg (n=453) every 3 wks for 4 doses, then every 12 wks (from week 24) for up to 1 yr, disease recurrence, or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was RFS in the intent-to-treat population. Results: Overall, 34%/47%/19% of pts had stage IIIb/IIIc/IV; 32%, ulcerated primary; 48%, macroscopic lymph node involvement; and 42%, BRAF mutation. At a median follow-up of 18.5 mo, NIVO significantly improved RFS vs IPI (Table). Results from prespecified subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent hazard ratios favoring NIVO. Conclusions: NIVO as adjuvant therapy significantly improved RFS vs IPI for pts with stage III/IV melanoma at high risk of recurrence and demonstrated a superior safety profile. (Table Presented).